Premium
Assessment of doline geometry using geophysics on the Quercy plateau karst (South France)
Author(s) -
Valois Rémi,
Camerlynck Christian,
Dhemaied Amine,
Guerin Roger,
Hovhannissian Gaghik,
Plagnes Valérie,
Rejiba Faycal,
Robain Henri
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/esp.2144
Subject(s) - sinkhole , karst , geology , groundwater recharge , electrical resistivity tomography , groundwater , aquifer , geomorphology , plateau (mathematics) , hydrology (agriculture) , seismic refraction , infiltration (hvac) , thermokarst , physical geography , geophysics , paleontology , electrical resistivity and conductivity , geography , geotechnical engineering , permafrost , mathematical analysis , oceanography , electrical engineering , engineering , mathematics , meteorology
In the protection of karstic aquifers, the role played by dolines is of interest as these shallow structures can be preferential infiltration pathways for groundwater recharge. In this study, three depressions in South France (Orniac, Lot) were identified and characterized using combined geophysical methods. Apparent conductivity mapping allows precise definition of dolines corresponding to topographic depressions. It also reveals other dolines that are hidden by soil cover. Electrical resistivity and seismic refraction tomography provide detailed cross‐sections. Even though the dolines studied are close one to another, they exhibit great variability in shape and content. Moreover, time‐lapse data show that the most saturated regions are on the edges of the first doline. Such information helps to evaluate human impacts and forecast potential groundwater contamination. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.